Not sure who wrote this song. I've heard it done by Marty Robbins and also
Don Edwards. It is a great song.
C Am
When I was but a young man, wild and full of fire
C Am
A youth within my teens but full of challenge and desire
C Am
I ran away from home, and left my mother and my dad
F G
Am
How it grieved them so to think, that there only boy was bad
C Am
I fell in with an outlaw bunch, there names were known quite well
C Am
How many times we robbed and plundered I could never tell
C Am
This kind of sinful living will lead only to a fall
F G
Am
I learned that much and more, the night I heard my master call
C Am
One night we rustled cattle, a thousand head or so
C Am
And started them out on the trail that leads to mexico
G C
When a norther started blowin, and lightning flashed about
Am F
Am
I thought someone was callin me, I thought I heard a shout
C Am
And at that moment lightning struck not twenty yards from me
C Am
And left there was a giant cross where once there'd been a tree
G C
This time I know I heard a voice, a voice so sweet and plain
Am F
Am
A voice that came from everywhere, a voice that called my name
C Am
So frightened I was thinking of the sinful deeds I'd done
C Am
I failed to see the thousand head of cattle start to run
C Am
The cattle they stampeded and were runnin all around
F G
Am
My pony ran but stumbled, and he threw me to the ground
C Am
I felt the end was nearin, that death would be the price
C Am
When a mighty bolt of lightning showed the face of Jesus Christ
G C
And I cried oh lord forgive me, don't let it happen now
Am F Am
I want to live for you alone, god these words I vow
C Am
My wicked life unfolded, and I thought of wasted years
C Am
When another bolt of lightning killed a hundred head of steers
G C
And the others rushed on by me, but I was left to live
Am F Am
The master had a reason life was his to take or give
C Am
A miracle performed that night, I wasn't meant to die
C Am
The dead ones formed a barricade, least six or seven high
C Am
And right behind it there was I, afraid but safe and sound
F G
Am
I cried and begged for mercy then and there upon the ground
C Am
A pardon I was granted, my sinful soul set free
C Am
No more to fear the angry waves upon lifes stormy seas
C Am
Forgiven by a love of god, a love that will remain
F G
Am
I gave my life and soul the night the savior called my name
F G
Am C
I gave my life and soul the night the savior called...... my.....
name........